
Pro listing
gamescom Cologne 2026
gamescom 2026 is the world's largest event for computer and video games, taking place in Cologne from August 26–30, 2026, with the official kick-off gamescom Opening Night Live on August 25.
gamescom 2026 is the world's largest event for computer and video games, taking place in Cologne from August 26–30, 2026, with the official kick-off gamescom Opening Night Live on August 25.
gamescom is the world's leading event for computer and video games, bringing together the international gaming community and the entire games industry in a unique way – both in person in Cologne and digitally- . The 2026 edition runs from August 26 to 30, with the official kick-off gamescom Opening Night Live hosted by Geoff Keighley on August 25- 1 . At gamescom, the variety, creativity and passion of the gaming world come together- 1 . The event is jointly organised by Koelnmesse and game – the German Games Industry Association- .
At a glance
- gamescom 2026 takes place in Cologne from August 26–30, with Opening Night Live on.
- Theme: 'Games Spark Excitement for the Future' – spotlighting innovation, new studios, and the.
- All exhibition areas at Koelnmesse are fully booked for the first time-
- More than 40 countries already represented among exhibitors, with registration up 15% year-on-year-
- Dual B2B and B2C format: dedicated business area for trade visitors, plus public entertainment.
Product categories
- Interactive Games & Software: Video games, mobile applications, cloud gaming platforms, esports tournament titles, simulation engines- 2
- Hardware & Technology: Graphic processing units, gaming display monitors, consumer electronics, specialized computing accessories, virtual reality headsets- 2
- Merchandise & Apparel: Official merchandise, accessories, gadgets, sustainable brand apparel, custom gamer shirts, character pins, collectible media items-
- Indie Games: Innovative and creative games from independent developers worldwide- 1
- Retro Gaming: Classic console games and interactive stations for nostalgic and family-friendly gaming-
- Cards & Board Games: A dedicated area for card and board game enthusiasts featuring new releases and timeless classics-
- Artist Area: Exclusive illustrations, artworks, and fan art from international artists (Hall 5.1)- 1
- Cosplay & Community: Cosplay Village, Event Arena for esports and shows, Family & Friends area, gamescom campus for career and education- 1
Exhibitor profile
- Major publishers and AAA studios – including Nintendo, Xbox, Electronic Arts (EA), Ubisoft, Capcom, Konami, Tencent Games, CD Projekt RED, Bandai Namco, Krafton, and others- -
- Indie developers and small teams – featured in dedicated indie areas such as Home of Indies and Indie Arena Booth, reflecting the trend 'Small teams, huge success'- 11 -
- Hardware and technology companies – PC and console manufacturers, peripheral makers, and gaming technology providers-
- Game development service providers – tool providers, technical teams, and ad companies supporting the games industry-
- Publishers and distributors – companies bringing games to market across all platforms and regions-
- Investors and financial partners – participants in gamescom invest circle, connecting early-stage game startups with investors and strategic partners- 37
Visitor profile
- Private visitors – gaming enthusiasts, cosplayers, fans and consumers attending the public entertainment area to experience new games, community activities, esports and merchandise- 4
- Trade visitors – industry professionals including developers, publishers, investors, marketing professionals, technical teams, tool providers, ad companies, media, YouTubers and streamers- . More than 34,000 trade visitors attended the 2025 edition-
- Business attendees – C-level executives, business development professionals, and strategic partners using the business area and gamescom biz for networking and deal-making- 37
- Media and press – journalists, content creators and influencers covering the event and its announcements- 2
- Students and creatives – emerging talent and students from games-related programmes-
Why exhibit
gamescom offers a unique stage to engage gamers around the world both online and on-site- 8 . Meet business partners, create new business opportunities and extend your network- 8 . Benefit from the high level of internationality among exhibitors, trade visitors, influencers, creators and press- 8 . Build brand awareness and brand loyalty for your products- 8 . With a hybrid format, you can set highlights for communities in the entertainment or business area – reaching a global. The business area offers exclusive access to trade visitors and media, while the entertainment area puts your brand in front.
Why visit
gamescom is the only place where you can experience the full spectrum of gaming culture in one location. Be the first to discover and play hundreds of new games before their official release- 2 . Meet the developers in person, celebrate major brands, indies and newcomers- 4 . Nowhere else is the gaming industry closer and more present – you will meet existing and future business partners, and. Experience unique event highlights such as the gamescom city festival across Cologne, cosplay showcases, esports tournaments, tabletop and board games. gamescom is also the place for world, European and German premieres- 2 .
Why it matters
gamescom 2026 is the world's largest event for computer and video games, serving as the central platform for the global games industry and a meeting point for millions of fans worldwide—both on location in Cologne and digitally. For the first time in its history, all available exhibition space is fully booked, following a record-setting 2025 event that drew 357,000 visitors from 128 countries and 1,568 exhibitors from 72 countries The sell-out signals unprecedented demand from publishers, developers, and gaming communities, with exhibitor registrations up 15% year-over-year gamescom uniquely bridges B2B and B2C: the business area attracts over 34,000 trade visitors for networking and deal-making, while the entertainment area offers hands-on access to hundreds of new games, esports, cosplay, and community experiences The 2026 edition features high-level political attendance including Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, underscoring the industry's growing economic and societal relevance With major publishers (Xbox, Nintendo, EA, Ubisoft, Capcom, Konami, Tencent Games) and new formats like gamescom GDQ, the event is a critical barometer for gaming trends, business strategy, and community engagement
Venue
name: Koelnmesse
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- 2.1
- 2.2
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- 3.2
- 4
- 4.1
- 4.2
- 5
- 5.1
- 6
- 6.1
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- 8.1
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- 10.1
- Confex
address
city: Cologne
street: Messeplatz 1
country: Germany
postal code: 50679
map url: https://maps.google.com/?q=Koelnmesse+Messeplatz+1+50679+Cologne+Germany
latitude: 50.946401
- South Entrance
- North Entrance
- East Entrance
longitude: 6.98123
facilities
parking
notes: More than 14,500 parking spaces are available within walking distance of the venue Daily parking fee is €20. Congress visitors are asked to park at 'Parkhaus Lanxess Arena 1'.
spaces: 14500
status: unknown
currency: EUR
daily price: 20
- https://www.gameswirtschaft.de/gamescom/gamescom-2026-anreise-auto-parken-tipps-040826/
- https://dev.gamescom.global/conference/venue-travel/#content
cloakroom
notes: Cloakroom usage in the entrance area is free of charge
status: unknown
- https://www.gameswirtschaft.de/gamescom/was-kostet-was-auf-der-gamescom-2026-kostenlos-030826/
- Foodclash
- Various restaurants and food stalls
prayer rooms
notes: Multi-purpose rooms suitable for quiet activities such as personal reflection, meditation, or prayer are available at Koelnmesse
status: unknown
- https://koeln25.dpg-tagungen.de
accessibility
notes: All halls have disabled toilets. With very few exceptions, lifts are fully suitable for the disabled. Barrier-free access from Köln Messe/Deutz station to Entrance South is available
status: unknown
- https://www.gamescom.global/en/info/barrierefreier-messeaufenthalt
onsite shuttle
notes: Free shuttle buses run from the parking areas to the exhibition entrances.
status: unknown
- https://media.zwp-online.info
- https://www.exponet.ru
charging points
notes: 80 charging points with 40 charging stations have been installed in the central P22 car park, directly at the Zoobrücke
status: unknown
- https://tanke.io
luggage storage
notes: Lockers are available on the grounds for a fee
status: unknown
- https://www.egltours.com
gate notes: Access points include South Entrance (Bahnhof Köln Messe/Deutz), North Entrance (Zoobrücke), and East Entrance (Koelnmesse stop)- . Choose your entrance based on your transport mode and planned hall access.
parking notes: More than 15,000 parking spaces are available within walking distance of the Confex on the roofs of adjacent halls and the newly built car park- 1 . Congress visitors are asked to park at 'Parkhaus Lanxess Arena 1'- . Parking fees are €20 per day; a public transport ticket is included in the entry ticket- .
floor plan url: https://www.gamescom.global/en/info/hall-plan
floor plan page url: https://www.gamescom.global/en/info/hall-plan
floor plan asset url: https://www.gamescom.global/en/info/hall-plan
floor plan schematic
notes: The official hall plan for gamescom 2026 is not yet published; zones are based on 2025 allocation and media reports.
- Entertainment Area
- Business Area
- Confex Center
- Merchandise, Cosplay, Cards & Boards
- B2B
- B2C
source url: https://www.gamescom.global/en/info/hall-plan
has floor plan: true
google maps place url: https://maps.google.com/?q=Koelnmesse+Messeplatz+1+50679+Cologne+Germany
official venue page url: https://www.gamescom.global/en/info/venue
Entry & registration
min age: 4
event hours: Private visitors: Wed 26 Aug 1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Thu 27 Aug – Fri 28 Aug 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Sat 29 Aug – Sun 30 Aug 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Trade visitors: Wed 26 Aug – Fri 28 Aug 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (business area closes at 7:00 p.m. on Wed). Business area closed Sat–Sun. Exhibitors: Wed 26 Aug 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Thu 27 Aug – Sun 30 Aug 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. (business area closed Sat–Sun)
ticket notes: Private visitor tickets are day-specific. Wednesday is a trade visitor and media day; private visitors require a Wildcard for access from 1:00 p.m . Trade visitor tickets are personal and must be legitimized in advance; they include access to the business area and entertainment area (Wed–Fri)- 24 . The business area is closed to the public on Saturday and Sunday- 30 .
setup end date: 2026
registration url: https://www.gamescom.global/en/tickets/buy-tickets
setup start date: 2026
teardown end date: 2026
teardown start date: 2026
registration deadline: Advance ticket sales are ongoing; tickets are available while stocks last. Some ticket categories (e.g., Superfan Bundle) are already sold out- 20 .
badge collection notes: Reduced tickets require valid identification (e.g., student ID, disability pass) to be presented at the entrance- 20 . Children aged 4-6 receive a free ticket upon age verification at the entrance- 20 .
Organisers
- Koelnmesse GmbH
- game – Verband der deutschen Games-Branche e.V.
- Koelnmesse GmbH
- Christiane Gehrke
Programme
- gamescom award
- gamescom Opening Night Live 2026
- gamescom dev Opening Keynote by Amir Satvat
- Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier Keynote & Panel
- Clues and Camping in Ghost of Yōtei
- Building a New & European Game Engine in the Age of AI
- Designing Adaptive Audio Systems for Scalable Games
- Amir Satvat
- Samuel Holley
- Yiyi Zhang
- Jyro Blade
- Mike Jungbluth
- Noor Amin
- Seth Rosen
- Frank-Walter Steinmeier
- Jörg Friedrich
- Prof. Dr. Sabiha Ghellal
- Peter Smits
- Nathanael Liminski
- Nick Apostolides
- Angela Sant'Albano
agenda url: https://dev.gamescom.global/conference/sessions-tracks/
- Arts, Visuals & VFX
- Audio & Sound Design
- Business
- Community Management
- Culture, Diversity, Accessibility & Inclusion
- Game Design
- Leadership & HR
- Mental Health
- Mobile
- Multiplayer
- Narrative Design
- PR & Marketing
- Production
- Research & Education
- Tech & Coding
- UX / UI
- VR / XR
- AI Track
- Animation Track
- Level Design Track
- Playing Field Democracy
- The Games Effect
agenda status: partial
- gamescom dev
- gamescom congress
- gamescom Opening Night Live
- Future Games Show at Gamescom
- gamescom GDQ (Games Done Quick)
- gamescom Campus
agenda last updated: 2026
- gamescom dev Leadership Summit
- gamescom dev CTO Lunch
- gamescom dev Community Night
- gamescom dev Awards
- Frank-Walter Steinmeier
- Lars Klingbeil
- Dorothee Bär
- Hendrik Wüst
- Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication (Morocco)
- Hellenic Film & Audiovisual Center (EKKOMED)
- Flanders Investment & Trade
- VAF Game
Previous edition
stats
year: 2025
notes: Record attendance with 70% foreign exhibitor share- ; 40 country pavilions representing 35 countries- 4 ; trade visitors exceeded 34,000 with strongest growth from US, China, Canada and Japan- ; digital reach: 630M+ views (+105% YoY)- 4 ; Opening Night Live: 72M views (+80%)- 4 ; gamescom epix: 5.7M page views- 4 ; devcom attendance: 5,400 (+6%)- 4 ; gamescom congress: 1,000+ attendees (+10%)- 4 ; city festival: 80,000 attendees- 4 .
end date: 2025
start date: 2025
deals count: 0
edition number: 0
floor area sqm: 233000
visitors count: 357000
pavilions count: 0
exhibitors count: 1568
visitor countries: 128
exhibitor countries: 72
recap html: <p>gamescom 2025 concluded with record-breaking attendance of 357,000 visitors from 128 countries, marking a 6.5% increase over 2024. The event hosted 1,568 exhibitors from 72 countries (70% foreign share) across 233,000 square metres of exhibition space. Trade visitors exceeded 34,000, with the strongest growth from the US, China, Canada, and Japan. Digital reach hit new highs with over 630 million video views across the show programme by Saturday evening (+105% YoY), including 72 million views for Opening Night Live (+80%).</p><p>The event featured 40 country pavilions representing 35 countries, with first-time pavilions from official partner country Thailand, Dubai, and Kyrgyzstan. The relocated event arena, an additional hall for the entertainment area, a larger indie area, and expanded outdoor spaces delivered an enhanced visitor experience. The devcom developer conference (now gamescom dev) grew 6% to 5,400 attendees, and the gamescom congress exceeded 1,000 attendees for the first time (+10%). Around 80,000 people attended the gamescom city festival in downtown Cologne.</p><p>Political interest was at an all-time high with over 600 politicians attending, including Federal Minister Bär and Federal Minister for Family Affairs Karin Prien. The event also saw strong international delegations from Thailand, Brazil, Indonesia, and India.</p>
- gamescom GDQ (Games Done Quick)
- Enhanced gamescom biz platform
- gamescom Business Ticket
- Expanded gamescom awesome indies show
- Extended accessibility guidelines
- Felix Falk
- Gerald Böse
- Emma Losin
- Jannik Lietz
exhibitor roi: Exhibitors at gamescom 2025 reported strong return on investment, driven by record visitor numbers, high internationality, and extensive media coverage. The 1,568 exhibitors from 72 countries benefited from direct access to 357,000 consumers and over 34,000 trade visitors, facilitating both B2C sales and B2B partnerships The 70% foreign exhibitor share underscores the event's global reach Digital amplification—over 630 million views—extended exhibitor visibility far beyond the physical venue. The presence of major publishers alongside indie developers and the expanded indie area provided a platform for diverse business goals, from brand launches to community engagement
impact summary: gamescom 2025 reinforced its position as the world's leading gaming event, breaking records across all key metrics. The 6.5% increase in attendance to 357,000 visitors and 7.3% growth in exhibitors to 1,568 demonstrated the industry's robust recovery and global appeal. The 70% international exhibitor share and 128 visitor countries underscored its unmatched global reach. Digital engagement soared to over 630 million views, a 105% year-on-year increase, reflecting the event's successful hybrid model. The expansion of exhibition space to 233,000 sqm, new country pavilions (Thailand, Dubai, Kyrgyzstan), and enhanced visitor experiences (relocated event arena, larger indie area) set a new standard. The event also provided significant momentum for the German games industry, with over 600 politicians attending and strong international delegations -
current edition
year: 2026
notes: All exhibition space sold out for the first time- ; floor area unchanged at 233,000 sqm gross (includes aisles and open areas)- ; exhibitor and visitor counts not yet disclosed- ; organisers are exploring expansion for 2027 to meet demand- .
end date: 2026
source url: https://live.deutsche-boerse.com/nachrichten/Gamescom-erstmals-ausgebucht-c76ead1d-e4c1-4e31-b6e1-b293d53b8ce0
start date: 2026
value status: confirmed
edition number: 17th
floor area sqm: 233000
visitors count: 254000
exhibitors count: 283
estimated visitors count: 254000
estimated exhibitors count: 283
- 357000
- 1568
- 34000
- 630000000
- 233000
- 15
- 40
- 283
- 254000
audience quality: gamescom 2025 attracted a high-quality, diverse, and international audience. With 357,000 visitors from 128 countries, the event drew a global cross-section of gaming enthusiasts, industry professionals, and media. The trade visitor segment exceeded 34,000, with particularly strong growth from key markets including the US, China, Canada, and Japan, indicating the event's importance for business networking and deal-making The high internationality (70% of exhibitors from abroad) and the presence of 40 country pavilions reflect a premium, globally-minded attendee base
- Previous Edition
- Previous Edition
- Current Edition
next edition outlook
summary: Following the complete sell-out of all exhibition space for gamescom 2026—a first in the event's history—organizers game – The German Games Industry Association and Koelnmesse are actively developing expansion concepts for 2027. The goal is to accommodate increasing exhibitor demand, unlock additional growth potential, and improve the overall visitor experience. The 2026 edition expanded by 3,000 sqm, yet demand continues to outpace supply, prompting discussions about further venue enlargement from 2027 onwards
confidence: high
- Expansion of exhibition grounds to accommodate growing exhibitor demand and improve visitor flow
- Potential reallocation of space to better manage crowd density and enhance the on-site experience
- Continued investment in new community formats and digital reach, building on the success of 2025 and 2026
- Possible integration of additional halls or outdoor areas to increase capacity
Exhibitors
total: 0
exhibitor analysis quality
total rows: 0
rows with hall: 0
classified rows: 0
rows with booth: 0
unclassified rows: 0
classification coverage pct: 0
Market
region: Global (with strong European anchor and expanding Asia-Pacific and Latin American presence)
why it matters: gamescom 2026 is the world's largest event for computer and video games, serving as the central platform for the global games industry and a meeting point for millions of fans worldwide—both on location in Cologne and digitally. For the first time in its history, all available exhibition space is fully booked, following a record-setting 2025 event that drew 357,000 visitors from 128 countries and 1,568 exhibitors from 72 countries The sell-out signals unprecedented demand from publishers, developers, and gaming communities, with exhibitor registrations up 15% year-over-year gamescom uniquely bridges B2B and B2C: the business area attracts over 34,000 trade visitors for networking and deal-making, while the entertainment area offers hands-on access to hundreds of new games, esports, cosplay, and community experiences The 2026 edition features high-level political attendance including Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, underscoring the industry's growing economic and societal relevance With major publishers (Xbox, Nintendo, EA, Ubisoft, Capcom, Konami, Tencent Games) and new formats like gamescom GDQ, the event is a critical barometer for gaming trends, business strategy, and community engagement
- Saving the world through play
- Small teams, huge success
- AI-assisted development as the most significant industry shift
similar event circuit
title: Global Gaming & Esports Event Circuit 2026
- Esports World Cup 2026
- gamescom dev 2026
- gamescom 2026
- Tokyo Game Show 2026
- Pocket Gamer Connects Helsinki 2026
- gamescom asia x Thailand Game Show 2026
- gamescom latam 2026
summary: The global gaming event calendar in 2026 is more diverse and geographically spread than ever. gamescom in Cologne remains Europe's largest gaming event with a significant B2B layer, but the circuit now includes major events across Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Key anchors include gamescom asia (now in Bangkok), gamescom latam (São Paulo), Tokyo Game Show, and the Esports World Cup (Paris). For European business, gamescom dev (August 23–25) is the continent's biggest dedicated conference for developers and publishers, while Pocket Gamer Connects Helsinki provides a concentrated dealmaking window for mobile and cross-media gaming
- August – European Gaming Week
- September – Asian Post-Season
- October–November – Q4 Global Circuit
source note: Event dates and descriptions compiled from Shikenso, Events for Gamers, and official gamescom sources. gamescom latam 2026 data from official press releases.
planning window: July–November 2026
Logistics
visa
required: true
official url: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service/215870-215870
ata carnet notes: Germany accepts ATA Carnets for commercial samples, professional equipment, and exhibition goods- . Non-EU exhibitors bringing gaming prototypes, demo systems, display hardware, AV equipment, and other exhibition materials to gamescom should use an ATA Carnet to avoid paying EU import duties and VAT- 102 . The carnet is valid for 12 months- 102 . Apply 5–8 weeks before the event- 102 .
ata carnet accepted: true
free nationalities notes: Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland do not require a visa. Additionally, citizens of 62 countries outside the EU/Schengen area are visa-exempt for short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period), including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, Israel, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, and many others- 65 . From late 2026, visa-exempt travellers may need an ETIAS travel authorisation (fee €7, valid 3 years)- 62 , though the implementation date remains uncertain- .
weather notes: Cologne in August: average daytime highs of 23–25°C (73–77°F) and overnight lows around 13–14°C (56–57°F). Rainfall is moderate – pack a light rain jacket or umbrella.
- Public transport is included
- Age restrictions and ID requirements
- What to wear and pack
- Arrive early and plan your hall strategy
- Explore Cologne beyond the convention
- Cologne Bonn Airport
- Düsseldorf Airport
- Frankfurt Airport
connectivity notes: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the Koelnmesse exhibition grounds. Mobile network coverage is generally good, but may be congested during peak hours.
local currency code: EUR
Visitor persona
visa
notes: Apply well in advance. The invitation letter form is available on the gamescom website- 46 . Koelnmesse processes requests within two working days- 46 . Bring the printed invitation letter to your embassy appointment- 10 .
official url: https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/en/visa-service/215870-215870
estimated cost: 98
processing time: 15 working days (standard); up to 30 days during peak seasons (June–August)
requirement summary: Visa requirements depend on nationality. EU/EEA/Swiss nationals: no visa. Citizens of 62 visa-exempt countries (including US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea): no visa for stays up to 90 days (ETIAS may be required from late 2026). All other nationalities: must obtain a Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) before travel. gamescom participants from visa-required countries must present an official letter of invitation from Koelnmesse- 10 .
hotels
- Deutz (walking distance to venue)
- Altstadt / City Centre (across the bridge, vibrant area)
- Along S-Bahn lines (cheaper options with easy access)
recommended check in: 2026
recommended check out: 2026
flights
- Europe
- North America
- Asia
- Middle East
booking notes: Book flights well in advance as prices increase closer to the event. Direct flights are available from many major cities. Consider flying into Düsseldorf (DUS) or Frankfurt (FRA) as alternatives.
destination airport: Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN)
weather
month: August
packing notes: Pack layers: light clothing for daytime, a jacket for cooler evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Don't forget a power bank and a refillable water bottle.
temperature range: 13–25°C (56–77°F)
rain or seasonality: Moderate rainfall; pack a light rain jacket or umbrella.
transport
parking: On-site parking at Koelnmesse: ~14,500 spaces, €20 per day. Congress visitors should park at 'Parkhaus Lanxess Arena 1'. Book eSlot in advance for vehicle access.
ride hail: Taxis and rideshares (Uber, Free Now) are available. Expect surge pricing during peak hours. From city centre to venue ~€15–€25.
hotel to venue: Use tram lines 1, 3, 4, 9, S-Bahn, or walk if staying in Deutz. Public transport is included in your gamescom ticket.
public transit: KVB trams and S-Bahn lines connect the city. Lines 3 and 4 stop at 'Koelnmesse' (East Entrance). Lines 1 and 9 stop at 'Bahnhof Deutz' (South Entrance). Your gamescom ticket covers local transport.
airport to venue: Cologne Bonn Airport (CGN): Take S19 train to 'Deutz/Messe' (~15 min). Düsseldorf (DUS) or Frankfurt (FRA) are also options with train connections.
- Confirm event pass and badge details
- Confirm visa and travel documents
- Book flights and hotel
- Shortlist target exhibitors/sessions
- Prepare meeting calendar
itinerary builder
- Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)
- Hohenzollern Bridge
- gamescom City Festival
- Old Town (Altstadt)
Exhibitor persona
compliance
lead capture
notes: Exhibitors can scan visitor badges to capture contact data that visitors voluntarily provided when purchasing tickets. Scanned leads are pooled in a company-wide list, and exhibitors receive lead reporting features to track ROI
- Badge scanning via gamescom biz app
- Manual business card collection
- QR code exchange
- https://www.gamescom.global/en/info/trade-visitors/matchmaking-in-the-gamescom-biz-app
- https://www.gamescom.global/en/info/exhibitors/exhibit/become-part-of-gamescom
provider name: Koelnmesse / gamescom biz
compliance notes: Visitors must consent to badge scanning; data is handled under strict data protection provisions. Koelnmesse does not forward visitor data to third parties
privacy law name: German Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG) / EU GDPR
availability status: unknown
badge scanner available: true
- Confirm booth package and payment deadlines
- Submit stand design and contractor forms
- Book staff travel and accommodation
- Prepare freight and customs documents
- Prepare lead capture, collateral, and follow-up workflow
freight shipping
Planning
exhibitor
lead capture
notes: Exhibitors can scan visitor badges to capture contact data that visitors voluntarily provided when purchasing tickets. Scanned leads are pooled in a company-wide list, and exhibitors receive lead reporting features to track ROI
compliance notes: Visitors must consent to badge scanning; data is handled under strict data protection provisions. Koelnmesse does not forward visitor data to third parties
privacy law name: German Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG) / EU GDPR
- Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)
- Hohenzollern Bridge
- gamescom City Festival
- Old Town (Altstadt)
best visit day: Thursday
- Creative Europe MEDIA Stand
- Bulgaria Meet&Beer Networking Hour
- Games from Nigeria Pavilion
- Maritim Hotel
- Enchant Gaming Pitch Party
- Choose your ticket day wisely
- Arrive early
- Wear comfortable shoes
- Bring your own food and drinks
- Use public transport – it's included
- Plan your hall strategy
- Download the gamescom biz app
- Bring a power bank
- Age restrictions and ID
- Business Focus
- Consumer Focus
- Indie Focus
best visit day reasoning: Thursday is a full day (10:00–20:00) with significantly lower crowds than Saturday, while still offering all the main attractions. Friday is also a good option, but Thursday tends to be less busy.
Costs
calculator
currency: USD
per diem usd: 60
booth sqm max: 1000
booth sqm min: 12
visa cost usd: 90
- Economy (US East Coast)
- Economy (Europe)
- Business (US East Coast)
nights default: 4
booth sqm default: 12
insurance cost usd: 50
shell per sqm low usd: 110
shell per sqm high usd: 150
hotel mid per night usd: 200
hotel budget per night usd: 90
hotel premium per night usd: 400
booth prices
notes: Official per-square-metre pricing is published for the gamescom campus area (terrace, corner, two-corner, and island stands) with rates from €100.50 to €134.50 per sqm plus a €16.00 per sqm energy fee. For the indie area, group organisers pay €98.00–€131.50 per sqm. A mandatory gamescom NOW package (€337 B2B / €995 B2C) and an AUMA fee (€0.60/sqm) are added. Shell scheme and raw space rates for the main business and entertainment areas are not published; exhibitors are directed to the stand cost calculator. The minimum booth size is 12 sqm.
source: https://www.gamescom.global/en/info/exhibitors/exhibit/be-part-of-gamescom-campus
currency: EUR
standard booth sqm: 12
raw space per sqm low: 0
raw space per sqm high: 0
shell scheme per sqm low: 100.5
shell scheme per sqm high: 134.5
Decision tools
quiz result config
mode: visit_exhibit_skip
intro: Based on your answers, we've matched your goals and resources to the best way to experience gamescom 2026. Here's our recommendation.
- 🌟 Visit gamescom as a guest
- 🚀 Exhibit at gamescom
- ⏭️ Consider skipping or attending remotely
tie label: Tiebreaker: You're equally suited for multiple options.
tie description: If you're torn between visiting and exhibiting, consider a hybrid approach: book a business ticket and network, or share a small booth with partners. For visit vs skip, remember that gamescom is a once-a-year global event—attending even briefly can offer valuable insights.
Partners
- Volvo Trucks
- SCS Software
- Thrustmaster
- TRI Train Rental GmbH
- VSU
Media
- gamescom Cologne 2026 OG image
- gamescom Cologne 2026 hero image
- gamescom Cologne 2026 OG image
- gamescom Cologne 2026 hero image
- gamescom Cologne 2026 OG image
- gamescom Cologne 2026 hero image
og image url: https://cdn.tradeshowintel.com/assets/tsi_pro/6947fed4b5753ddcc58a5f9c/og_1787854953.png
hero image url: https://cdn.tradeshowintel.com/assets/tsi_pro/6947fed4b5753ddcc58a5f9c/hero_1787854950.png
Answers
- Felix Falk
- Gerald Böse
- Emma Losin
- Jannik Lietz
Sources
- Opening times | gamescom
- Build-up and dismantling periods | gamescom
- Buy your tickets for gamescom 2026
- Buy your gamescom business tickets
- gamescom for private visitors
- Gamescom 2026: Der Hallenplan ist da
- Be part of gamescom campus – floor space prices 2026
- Be part of the gamescom indie area – price per sqm for group organizers
- Gamescom 2026 Booth Application, Location and Strategy – mandatory fees
- Networking and matchmaking – badge scan function
- Arrival to gamescom Welcome to Cologne!
- Venue & Travel gamescom dev
- Gamescom 2026: Tipps für die Anreise mit ÖPNV und Bahn
- Gamescom 2026: Was die meisten Besucher nicht wissen
- VISA Support | gamescom
- gamescom 2026 German Education Server
- Vice-Chancellor Lars Klingbeil and Federal Games Minister Dorothee Bär to open gamescom 2026
- The Federal President of Germany Steinmeier to visit gamescom 2026 and open gamescom congress
- Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication and AMDIE Announce Morocco’s First Participation in Gamescom 2026
- EKKOMED Announces Greece’s National Delegation to Gamescom 2026
- Gamescom '26: Belgian Booth and Community
- Gamescom 2026 Sells Out Completely for the First Time as Konami, Tencent and More Join the Lineup
- Gamescom 2026 sells out exhibition space as organizers eye 2027 expansion
- gamescom reaches new milestone: all available areas for 2026 booked up
- Mercedes-Benz ist Hauptpartner der GameStar FYNG City auf der Gamescom
- gamescom 2025 excites the community worldwide and sets new standards
- Gamescom 2025 breaks attendance records with 357,000 visitors
- 357,000 visitors attended Gamescom 2025
- gamescom 2025: New records and important impetus for the games industry in Germany and worldwide
- Gamescom erstmals ausgebucht
- Gamescom 2026: Registered exhibitors up 15%, more than 40 countries taking part
- La Gamescom 2026, plus grand rendez-vous gaming de l'année ?
- gamescom biz launches enhanced all-in-one platform for 2026 attendees
- Gamescom 2026 stawia na dostępność, ekologię i demokrację
- In pics: Gamescom 2025 in Cologne, Germany
- South Australian video game creatives shine at Gamescom 2025
- LinkedIn post by Jannik Lietz
- gamescom 2026: Games spark excitement for the future
- gamescom dev speaker survey puts AI, smaller teams and leadership at the center of industry change
- Game devs focus on AI, smaller teams and leadership | Gamescom Dev survey
- gamescom reaches new milestone: all available areas for 2026 booked up
- Press information of gamescom
- gamescom biz launches enhanced all-in-one platform for 2026 attendees
- Gamescom 2026 Is Shaping Up To Be One Of The Biggest Shows In Its History
- Gamescom IRL: What, where, when and why to go
- Gamescom 2027: Die Grenzen des Wachstums (Fröhlich am Freitag)
- Gamescom erreicht erstmals vollständig ausgebuchte Ausstellungsfläche
- Samsung To Showcase Latest Gaming Innovations at Gamescom 2026
- The Federal President of Germany Steinmeier to visit gamescom 2026 and open gamescom congress
- Gamescom 2026: Responsibility becomes the Entry Ticket
- gamescom award 2026
- Participation for media representatives
- Join the adventure! Become an exhibitor at gamescom
- Gamescom 2026: Was die meisten Besucher nicht wissen
- Gamescom 2026: A guide for trade visitors
- Von 'Gratis' bis zu einer halben Million: Was kostet was auf der Gamescom 2026?
- Gamescom 2026 sells out exhibition space as organizers eye 2027 expansion
- gamescom 2025: New records and important impetus for the games industry in Germany and worldwide
- Venue & Travel gamescom dev
- Die Gamescom 2026 steht bevor: Mit diesen Tipps holt ihr das Maximum aus eurem Besuch
- Gamescom 2026: Tipps für die Anreise mit ÖPNV und Bahn
- Mit dem Auto zur Gamescom 2026: Wo und wie parken?
- Foodclash: Premiere auf der Gamescom 2026
- Your barrier-free gamescom visit
- VISA Support form | gamescom
- Visas for Germany Federal Foreign Office
- Germany's 2026 visa-free list: 62 countries outside Schengen
- Germany clarifies rules on visa-free entry and ETIAS
- Schengen Visa Fees 2026
- ATA Carnet for Gamescom Cologne
- gamescom 2026 launches ticket sales with outstanding results for exhibitor registrations
- The Top Esports & Gaming Business Events in 2026 [Updated July 2026]
- gamescom latam 2026 wraps up with record-breaking results
- The Indie Dev's Guide to Gamescom 2026
- Gamescom 2026: So funktionieren die Altersbändchen
- Volvo Trucks auf der Gamescom 2026
- Volvo Trucks auf der Gamescom Truck & Trailer Welt
- gamescom 2026 Entlastungszüge geplant, Prinzip Hoffnung bei der Stadt
- Advanced build-up | gamescom
- Steam Community Announcements Euro Truck Simulator 2
- Gamescom Köln – Guide, Tipps und Infos
- gamescom 2026 Cologne Travel Guide